Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Animal Encounters

Today, Wildlife Rescuers campers had a close encounter of the animal kind!

Campers learned to protect and preserve endangered species like alligators, northern pine snakes and tiger-barred salamanders as they got up-close and even touched some of these creatures.

In their own words, campers explain why these animal encounters were their favorite part of the day:

"Petting the gator, the snake and being sprayed by the water for the salamander (because it was refreshing) and the skin had a unique texture." - Mikhail

"Seeing the baby alligator, Mo." -Scarlett

"I got to see a baby alligator today. His name was Mo. Mo is cute." -Jenna

Wildlife Rescuers Summer Camp: Salt Marsh

Training is under way for the Wildlife Rescuers at the Aquarium Summer Camp today.


Campers enjoyed a hike to the nearby salt marsh where they investigated animal life and learned how to protect it.

In their own words, campers explain what they learned about protecting wildlife in and around the area:

"Don't litter and when you see someone litter don't fuss with them just pick it up." - Mikhail
"Never litter, reuse paper and always recycle." - Jenna
"How to make paper out of recycled tissue paper and discarded paper." - Nate
"Recycling paper and plastic keeps it out of the ocean." - Jackson
"You shouldn't litter, pick up trash if you see some and recycle." - Scarlett

Shrimp in the salt marsh.

Animal Spotlight: red lionfish

Though native to the Indo-Pacific region of the world, the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is commonly found on the North Carolina coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. Many scientists blame Hurricane Andrew for the lionfish’s accidental introduction to the area in 1992. 
Lionfish use 13 venomous dorsal spines to sting their prey as they glide along rocks and coral while hunting at night. During the day, these animals usually stay hidden in caves and crevices. With no natural predators in the area, this invasive species threatens native animals by encroaching upon their prey and habitats. 


Three red lionfish make their home in the Exotics Aquatics gallery at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Animal Spotlight: Eastern glass lizard

Today's Animal Spotlight is the Eastern glass lizard.

The Eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) is a legless lizard often mistaken for a snake. The difference between a legless lizard and a snake is that the lizard has ear openings and eyelids, unlike snakes. They are usually 18-24 inches long with 2/3 of that being their tail. The Eastern glass lizards is very common in the Southeastern Coastal Plains and can live up to 15 years in captivity.

Our Eastern glass lizard can be found in the Box Turtle Exhibit located in the Cape Fear Conservatory.

Local Catch: Spring

Each season, the Aquarium offers advice on local seafood availability. The following list highlights species in seafood markets and restaurants in spring. When dining out, ask if these or other choices are "Local Catch".

When choosing to dine on "Local Catch" you should remember that quality counts! You want to make sure that your seafood has no disagreeable odor and if it's live (blue crab) look for the movement of legs.

To find your local North Carolina seafood market, visit nc-seafood.org.

This information is made possible by the NC Sea Grant, NC Department of Agriculture and the NC Aquariums.

Pocket-sized "Local Catch" guides are available at the Aquarium each season.

Happy dining!

Ahead of the octopus

Our last post featured our top 10 reasons to visit the Aquarium this week. Unfortunately, we were premature with number 8, "catch a glimpse of our new octopus."

A change to the physical exhibit forced a delay in the octopus's debut. All is well with the animal and we will let you know as soon as the octopus takes residence in the exhibit.

Of course, we can give many more reasons to visit the Aquarium this week like the daily feedings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and live animal encounters with Aquarium educators. You can also see a baby loggerhead turtle at the "Let's Talk Turtle" exhibit, discover how hurricanes form and move, watch seahorse swim and so much more.

Top 10 reasons to visit the Aquarium this week

The holiday season is winding down but we don’t want you to be left in the cold with nothing to do. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher this week:

1. Enjoy your Aquarium without huge summer crowds.



2. Show off a local hot spot to your holiday visitors.



3. Burn off the eggnog and cookies with a stroll around the Aquarium grounds and gardens.



4. See how Luna, our rare albino alligator, keeps warm during the holidays.



5. Compare baby sharks in Shadows on the Sand with the mature sharks in Cape Fear Shoals.



6. Enjoy an exotic getaway without leaving Wilmington in our Exotic Aquatics exhibit, which includes lionfish, poison dart frogs and huge spiny lobsters.



7. Take a Behind the Scenes or Extended Behind the Scenes tour and explore more of the Aquarium and watch sharks and rays feed.



8. Catch a glimpse of our new octopus. (A change in the physical exhibit forced a delay in the octopus's debut. We will keep you posted.)



9. Take your time at the touch tank meeting horseshoe crabs, stingrays, sea stars and anemones.



10. Discover just how large North Carolina's fiercest predator, pre-historic Megalodon, really was.